Sexually transmitted diseases or infections are becoming increasingly common in the US. As the name suggests, these are diseases acquired when two people have sexual contact. During sexual interaction, viruses, parasites, and bacteria may pass from one person to another in blood, vaginal fluids, or semen, causing sexually transmitted diseases. However, in some situations, STDs can also be transmitted non-sexually, such as during pregnancy (from mother to her infant) and through blood transfusion.
Unfortunately, sexually transmitted diseases don’t always show symptoms. Therefore it is hard to identify the problem in some individuals who may otherwise look healthy. However, when diagnosed with STD, seek treatment and take medication. Join programs for prescription assistance for medications to ensure healthy living without being burdened by the high financial cost of medication.
Did you know that according to the CDC report, 20 percent of the US population has STDs which is one in five people? Furthermore, STDs cost America approximately 16 billion dollars in medical costs. Here are the most common STDs in the country:
1. Chlamydia
Bacteria cause this infection during intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. Chlamydia STD can also spread by sharing sex toys. Each year 1.5 million chlamydia cases are reported in the US. The infection is treatable. However, if you don’t address it quickly, it can damage your reproductive parts permanently.
2. Herpes Simplex
It is a virus causing skin infections that can last a lifetime. The condition causes itchy sores and blisters and is quite painful.
The Herpes Simplex virus is of two types:
HSV-1 affects the patient’s face and mouth. It spreads through spit or saliva.
HSV-2 affects the patient’s genital area, causing sores on the skin
3. Syphilis
Syphilis is another common STD in the US. It spreads from person to person when you have oral or vaginal sex with an infected person. It is a progressive condition with four stages:
Primary– The first stage is characterized by a hard sore on the genitals two to twelve weeks after sex with someone already infected by syphilis.
Secondary– The sore goes away after six months, leaving a bumpy and rough syphilis rash that covers the whole body, including the soles and palms of the feet. The rash is not always itchy but may cause fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Latent Syphilis: This stage is alarming as it can also cause damage to your nerves, bones, and heart. It lasts for about 20 years until you pass the fourth stage.
Late Syphilis: Only 20 percent of the infected individuals progress to this stage, while others seek treatment and get cured. The fourth stage can cause serious health complications like brain damage and muscle problems.
At The RX Helper, we strive to help people stay on track with their medications through our patient assistance programs for medications. Join our program to ensure you take proper medication as prescribed by your physician to control sexually transmitted infections from causing health problems to you and your sex partners.
